Federal prosecutors say the celebrity glow of Zac Efron was leveraged as bait in what they describe as a calculated sex-trafficking scheme run by three wealthy real estate heirs now on trial in Manhattan.
During testimony this week, a woman using the pseudonym Katie Moore told jurors that an invitation to a 2012 gathering at the actor’s New York City apartment felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, according to a TMZ report.
Instead, she said, the night ended in violence.
According to her account, she met brothers Alon Alexander, Tal Alexander, and Oren Alexander at the apartment before heading out to a club. She said she drank alcohol and believed she took Molly. After that, her memory became fragmented.
Moore testified that she later woke up naked in a different apartment with Alon standing over her. When she tried to get up, she said he pushed her back down. “I don’t want to have sex with you,” she recalled telling him. She said he laughed and replied, “You already did,” before assaulting her again.
She told the court she barely interacted with Efron that night and is not accusing the actor of any wrongdoing. Prosecutors have framed the celebrity connection as part of the alleged strategy — using access, wealth, and high-profile social circles to lower defenses and make invitations seem safe.
According to The New York Times, the case against the brothers spans years. A 12-count federal indictment includes conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, trafficking by force or coercion, and transporting women across state lines for illegal sexual activity. If convicted, they could face life sentences.
Another witness, identified as Maya Miller, testified that Tal flew her and a friend to the Hamptons for a weekend trip. She said the visit quickly turned uncomfortable and alleged she was assaulted after trying to leave early.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Smyser told jurors the brothers “masqueraded as party boys when really they were predators,” arguing that luxury trips, private homes, and exclusive parties were used to lure women.
Defense attorneys countered that the encounters were consensual, with Oren’s lawyer stating, “That is not trafficking. That is dating.”
Jurors were later shown seized emails, photos, and videos that prosecutors say illustrate how the brothers spoke about women privately.
The trial is expected to continue for several weeks as additional witnesses take the stand.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 for confidential help.